NAD+

Anti-Aging Research and NAD+

Aging and Mitochondrial Decline A common consequence of aging is the deterioration of mitochondria, which serve as the body’s energy generators. This decline in mitochondrial quality and function is associated with normal aging and various age-related diseases. Research has linked mitochondrial aging to processes like cellular senescence, inflammation, and reduced stem cell activity, which impede healing and recovery in older individuals.

Mitochondria’s Central Role Mitochondria are more than just energy factories; they also serve as platforms for cellular signaling, regulators of immune responses, and modulators of stem cell activity. Their health directly impacts aging processes, including senescence, inflammation, and overall tissue and organ function decline. To combat aging, safeguarding mitochondrial function becomes paramount.

NADH and Mitochondrial Rejuvenation New studies suggest that dietary supplementation can reverse some age-related mitochondrial decline. David Sinclair of Harvard University, known for his discovery of resveratrol’s anti-aging effects, unveiled the potential NADH in 2013. Injecting a precursor to restored youthful mitochondrial states in mouse muscle.

Restoring Cellular Communication In 2013 research, declining levels were found to induce a pseudohypoxic state within cells, disrupting the critical communication between the nucleus (DNA’s home) and mitochondria. By supplementing in aged mice, mitochondrial function was restored, reestablishing this essential communication.

SIRT 1 Activation plays a key role in preserving the SIRT 1 gene’s function, which encodes the protein sirtuin 1. Sirtuin 1 is an enzyme crucial for regulating cellular metabolism, stress responses, longevity, and inflammation. Maintaining SIRT 1 expression is vital in combating age-related changes.

The Role of NAD+ In Muscle Function

Mitochondrial Health and Muscle Aging Age-related muscle decline occurs in two stages in mouse models. Initially, oxidative phosphorylation, the process by which mitochondria generate energy, falters due to reduced mitochondrial gene expression. In the second stage, genes governing oxidative phosphorylation malfunction in both mitochondria and the nucleus. The first stage can be reversed with NAD plus administration, preserving mitochondrial function and preventing progression to the second stage. Delayed intervention, however, renders NAD plus ineffective, emphasizing the importance of early supplementation.

Exercise’s Impact on Mitochondria Exercise training mirrors NAD plus supplementation’s effects on aging mitochondria. In both cases, intervention prevents changes in PGC-1-alpha signaling, preserving mitochondrial function. Mouse models of skeletal muscle aging show that lifelong exercise helps maintain muscle oxidative capacity by increasing PGC-1-alpha levels, protecting mitochondrial DNA, oxidative proteins, and angiogenic proteins.

NAD+ in Neurodegenerative Disease

NAD+ and Neuroprotection NAD plus research related to aging also applies to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s. Studies have shown NAD+’s neuroprotective effects in mouse models of Huntington’s disease. NAD+ enhances mitochondrial function, reducing reactive oxygen species production, which is detrimental in inflammatory and disease conditions and accelerates aging. Combining NAD plus supplementation with PARP inhibitors, a class of drugs, may yield synergistic effects.

Parkinson’s Disease and NAD plus In mouse models of Parkinson’s disease, NAD plus supplementation safeguards against motor deficits and dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra. This suggests that NAD plus not only alleviates Parkinson’s symptoms but may also impede disease development.

Kynurenine Pathway and NAD+ Research on the kynurenine pathway (KP) reveals that NAD+ supplementation may prevent neurotransmitter breakdown and reduce the need to divert protein precursors to NAD plus production, which depletes essential neurotransmitters. KP imbalances have been linked to Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Ongoing research explores whether NAD+ supplementation can prevent these neurodegenerative conditions.

The Role of NAD+ in Reducing Inflammation

NAD+ Regulation and Inflammation NAD plus levels are influenced by factors like NAMPT, an enzyme associated with inflammation and overexpressed in some cancers. Targeting NAMPT is being explored as an anti-cancer treatment. NAMPT is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, as it activates inflammation. NAD plus supplementation may mitigate NAMPT activation, modulating inflammation.

NAD plus and Insulin Resistance The NAD+/NAMPT balance plays a pivotal role in insulin resistance associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Obesity triggers inflammation, reducing NAD plus levels, increasing blood free fatty acids by down-regulating adiponectin. This hampers glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, causing insulin resistance, which the pancreas compensates for by producing more insulin, leading to high glucose levels and diabetes over time.

NAD+ in Addiction Treatment

NAD+ Deficits and Addiction Drugs and alcohol are known to reduce NAD plus levels, leading to nutritional deficiencies and altered mood and awareness. NAD plus supplementation, combined with specific amino acid complexes, has gained popularity for addiction rehabilitation. Research indicates that this combination reduces cravings, improves stress and anxiety levels, and enhances recovery outcomes.

NAD+ Supplementation and the Future of Aging Research

Promising Clinical Trials Animal studies suggest that NAD plus supplementation can counteract mitochondrial aging effects. Clinical trials are being pursued for neurodegenerative diseases and chronic type 2 diabetes. NAD plus shows potential for slowing disease progression and possibly reversing disease processes or regulating aging itself.

NAD+ Safety and Availability NAD plus supplementation exhibits minimal side effects, with excellent bioavailability in mice. However, mouse dosages do not directly apply to humans. NAD plus is available for research purposes but should not be used for human consumption; it is limited to educational and scientific research.